Farmers in Iowa have every right to be optimistic about this year’s corn and soybean crops. Iowa farmers are forecast to see an average yield of 185 bu./acre, the third highest for the nation. That’s 20 bushels higher than 2013 corn yields.

Minnesota tends to march to the sound of its own corn yield drum and 2014 is no exception. The state was a garden spot in 2012 with yields of 165 bu./acre when yields suffered in most Corn Belt states. Last year, Minnesota had stronger yields than many had earlier expected.